International Galaxy S4 Android 4.3 rollout begins

Unlocked German and Russian devices getting new version of Android, as Euro Note 3 receives 'stability' updates

The international LTE and HSPA+ versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-i9505 and GT-i9500) have started receiving their Android 4.3 updates, marking the first major OS upgrade for Samsung's flagship.

Among all the standard under-the-hood changes brought in Android 4.3, the update reportedly includes Samsung KNOX for improved enterprise security, along with Samsung Wallet, some color tweaks for the device's display, and a smoother home screen experience. Other changes include new versions of the Samsung keyboard and browser and a reading mode, which tweaks the display in certain apps for easier reading. The new 4.3 firmware also adds support for Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

According to SamMobile the Galaxy S4 LTE update is pushing out through Kies and over-the-air in Germany, while HSPA+ devices in Russia are also getting the update. As always, the new version will take a while to reach all devices, so hit the comments and let us know if you've gotten it already.

Meanwhile the European Galaxy Note 3 LTE (SM-N9005) has received a string of "stability" updates over the past week, eventually landing it at build XXUBMJ3. We're not seeing any noticeable changes on our device, but an early OTA to deal with any niggling stability issues is certainly welcome.

Indonesia here. i9500 updated via kies monday night. as update on the phone states that server is overloaded.
boy... My s4 got updated so that it officially support my new galaxy gear, and bbm is released on android. all at the same time... almost like Christmas morning and birthday into one... LOL

What do you mean by 'regular S4'? If you mean carrier-branded, then you're in for a treat, my friend, as these updates take even longer to reach you, courtesy of your lazy-axx carriers. Could be months, or might not even come at all. Or, if they get their act together, a few weeks.

Last time they had a similar roll-out for the S4 it took about a month, a month and a half to reach all 'factory unlocked' units. Carriers', well, it took a bit longer (for some more than others).

They're just releasing 4.3 and WHAM!!! Google goes KitKat on their S-behinds a few days later ¬¬' I bet that's why they stop updating sometimes... But hey, update is better than no update, right? The Nexus line has to keep the edge somehow :P